1) You know its NOT a good night for the leafs when Bradley, Sutherby, and Pettinger score in the same game! That may never happen again in our life times. LOL 2) May turn out to be a bad thing for the Caps as the coaching staff may actually think that Sutherby and Bradley are good.

Toskala and Raycroft have actually been playing pretty well this year, certainly much better than Raycroft and Aubin last year, but when so many goals come from tap-ins, multiple rebounds, and absolutely mind-boggling defensive breakdowns there isn't much a goalie can do.

I'll tell you what's most painful for a leafs fan:Being at a family gathering with your Fiance's family, all of whom hate the Leafs, watching the Leafs/Hawks game, all proud your boys are up 3-1, and then the absolute, complete breakdown of the Leafs... and getting goaded by the future in-laws.That's what's painful for Leafs fans.

Although I've gotta say, the Islanders kicking us out on a shootout win the last day of the season last year was pretty bad, too.

One last Maple Leaf note:Toronto is tied with Carolina for the league lead with 47 goals....Carolina, 17 pts in 12 games, leading the Southeast. (3rd overall)Toronto, 13 pts in 13 games, 3rd in the Northeast. (3 way tie for 9th or 12th)The difference is goal differential, grasshopper:Carolina is plus 16Toronto is minus 5andDon't give me any of that "well, the goaltending....." crap either. Both Toskala and Raycoft arecapable and brilliant at times. Either one would be welcome on my team. The Toronto organization has ruined the career of many goaltenders.

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About Me

James has covered the NHL and the game of hockey since 2004, beginning with this website and continuing with The Globe and Mail (2008-16) and The Athletic. He is a member of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, a long-time radio analyst with TSN and was the NHL network manager at SB Nation from 2008 to 2010. A graduate of Thompson Rivers and Ryerson universities, James grew up in Kamloops, B.C. as a season ticket holder in the Blazers' glory years.

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